updated 10:50 pm EDT, Sat September 17, 2011

Cryptic hints point to Nexus Prime missing October

A series of Twitter hints from possible insider Tom Fleming may have narrowed down the release details of the Nexus Prime. Backed by the historically very accurate leaker black_man_x, Fleming claimed that the smartphone will be available on the day "Bruce Wayne's true father did die," hinting at the November 3 death of author Bob Kane. He backed the widely reported talk of a Verizon release in noting that it would be available in the "stores of red and black."

Other references pointed to commonly presumed new features, such as it being the first phone with Android's Ice Cream Sandwich revamp, and its using LTE on Verizon's network. If it includes LTE, that may point to limited reach outside of the US; only a few carriers worldwide are ready to support LTE smartphones.

Most previous rumors have suggested an October release. Early November would still be consistent with Google chairman Eric Schmidt's schedule and would make for an earlier release than the Nexus S' appearance (pictured) in December of last year. Room is still open for the date to change if technical problems or Verizon's strategy dictate a later release.

A November release could hurt the Nexus Prime's chances versus the iPhone 5. Although Fleming insists that those who "get Tim Cook's new pet will be filled with green eyed regret," new iPhone releases have often overshadowed nearly anything that releases within a month or more afterwards.